Muharraq’s historic Old Suq will come alive this Ramadan as it is set to host the first-ever Traditional Foods and Beverages Festival, a unique celebration of Bahrain’s culinary heritage.
The event, envisioned by Muharraq Municipal Council chairman and area councillor Abdulaziz Al Naar, will be officially opened on Wednesday and aims to showcase local delicacies while also bringing renewed attention to one of Bahrain’s most treasured cultural landmarks.
Visitors can experience authentic street food, handmade sweets, and refreshing drinks that are particularly cherished during the holy month.
The Old Muharraq Suq, registered as a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2012, has long been a symbol of Bahrain’s history and cultural significance.
However, modern developments seem to have overshadowed its charm, and the government is taking efforts to revive the area through a range of events, including the Muharraq Nights festival, which drew crowds in December last year.
“Muharraq has always been the beating heart of Bahrain’s culture and history,” Mr Al Naar said.
“Through this festival, we want to remind people – locals and visitors alike – of the Old Suq’s importance and charm. This market is more than just a place of trade; it’s a living testament to our heritage.”
The festival will feature local vendors, family businesses and home-based entrepreneurs showcasing a wide range of Bahraini flavours. Live cooking demonstrations and traditional music performances will add to the magic, creating an immersive cultural experience.
Visitors can explore the beloved Bahraini specialties such as machboos (a fragrant spiced rice dish served with meat or fish), balaleet (sweet saffron-infused vermicelli paired with an omelette), harees (a slow-cooked wheat and meat dish), luqaimat (crispy golden dumplings soaked in date syrup) and sago (a pudding made from sago pearls, flavoured with caramelised sugar), among other traditional delicacies.
“Our cuisine is a reflection of who we are, as a people,” he said.
“Many of these dishes have been part of Bahraini homes for centuries, and we want to ensure that younger generations continue to cherish them.
“We also hope that visitors from outside Bahrain will get a chance to explore our culinary identity.”
The festival is a community-driven effort to support small businesses and artisans who specialise in traditional Bahraini crafts and food production. It will provide a platform for home cooks, family-run eateries, and local farmers to showcase their work.
According to Mr Al Naar, the initiative is also a response to calls from the local community for more cultural events that celebrate Bahrain’s traditions.
“The people of Muharraq take great pride in their heritage and are always eager to share it with the world,” he said. “This festival is a step towards keeping that spirit alive.”
He hopes that the event will mark the beginning of more cultural initiatives aimed at revitalising the Old Muharraq Suq.
“This is just the first step, we envision this festival becoming an annual tradition, one that puts Muharraq on the map as a destination for cultural tourism,” he noted.
“We want to create opportunities for local businesses while keeping our heritage alive.”
The celebration will take place throughout Ramadan in the Old Muharraq Suq, with activities running from 7pm until midnight.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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